Extra counterweights for PMX

[gregbradley]

After reading the thread about not using extension shafts I decided to get some extra counterweights and remove the extension on both my PMX and PME.

The trouble is new stainless steel counterweights for these are very expensive - US$430 = AUD$575 each 20lb weight shipped.

The shaft is 1.5 inches thick. Any suggestions for cheaper weights?

I currently use some weights for gym equipment and the hole was too large and I closed up the hole with some magnetic tape I got from Bunnings. Its fine when its sandwiched between 2 stainless steel weights to lock it in. I suppose it could flex though.

Greg.

[Kunama]

Would better to get a brass bush machined inside the Gym weight Greg. Any machinist can do it.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

After reading the thread about not using extension shafts I decided to get some extra counterweights and remove the extension on both my PMX and PME.

The trouble is new stainless steel counterweights for these are very expensive - US$430 = AUD$575 each 20lb weight shipped.

The shaft is 1.5 inches thick. Any suggestions for cheaper weights?

I currently use some weights for gym equipment and the hole was too large and I closed up the hole with some magnetic tape I got from Bunnings. Its fine when its sandwiched between 2 stainless steel weights to lock it in. I suppose it could flex though.

Greg.

I have one spare PME weight. $A 400.

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

Any suggestions for cheaper weights?
Greg.

Weld together 3 lengths of solid square bar cut to length, bore out the middle and stick in a grub screw. Much cheaper.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Wrap up roofing lead strips into a coil, you should have lots of that lying around Greg ;-)

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Wrap up roofing lead strips into a coil, you should have lots of that lying around Greg ;-)

But on a $15k mount??? ...might look like cr@p

BTW Solid gold ingots also have a *very* similar density (just three to the left, on the periodic table) to lead.

[DavidTrap (David)]

EQ8 counterweight and bore out the hole to suit.

DT

[rally]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

But on a $15k mount??? ...might look like cr@p

BTW Solid gold ingots also have a *very* similar density (just three to the left, on the periodic table) to lead.

Gold is nearly double the density of Lead - 19k kg/m3 Vs 11k kg/m3
Shame they dont sell it by the cc !

I have an extra large weight - I'll need to weigh it but its heavier and bigger than a standard P-ME V1 weight if its of interest.

Rally

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

I have one spare PME weight. $A 400.

Thanks for the offer. For now I think I will slum it with the gym weights I got and put a lining in the opening to suit the shaft.

Greg.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Yep! gym weights, ankle weights, scrap metal weights and sticky tape, works a treat who cares what it looks like


re your other post ....Tak Polar scope for PA (takes 10min), no Tpoint, no PEC and no Pem Pro, synch on one star then places all goto's well on the 694 chip (38' X 30') usually near the centre and guides like the HST ....not sure I want a robotic mount anymore ...seems like a big learning curve and heartache to get them up and running well

Mike
Ps. nah I would like one...just some of you guys sheesh with your trials and tribulations in getting'em to work as perfectly as you all seem to want them to, just scares me everything of mine works so well as it is I'm scared when that day finally comes I will curse you all